China filed a formal application Monday to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

China' permanent representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, Zhang Yan, submitted the application to NSG rotating president Cho Chang-beom.

Zhang also delivered a note to Director-General of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohamed M. ElBaradei, informing him of China's intention for NSG membership.

In an interview with Xinhua, Zhang said China firmly opposes the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their carriers.

As a signatory to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, China strictly abides by its international obligations and has never supported, encouraged nor helped any nation in developing nuclear weapons, the Chinese ambassador said.

In recent years, Zhang said, China has promulgated and implemented a series of laws and regulations concerning the control of nuclear materials and instituted strict administration and control of nuclear exports.

He said China has held talks and consultations with the NSG in recent years and adopted policies and mechanisms in nuclear export control similar to those of the group.

Joining the NSG is a key step for China to play a more active role in nuclear non-proliferation, a step conducive to its efforts in seeking closer international cooperation in this regard, Zhang added.

Established in 1975, the NSG is an unofficial organization of nuclear capable countries exercising control on nuclear exports. It has played an important role in nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear export control.

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